Does this sound like just a busted reservoir?

RouletteRoulette Band Wagon
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
So I just recently had a heater hose blow out on my 86 Wagon, got that replaced, filled it back up with coolant and thought I was good to go (after a few other minor dumb setbacks) but now as soon as I park my car and turn it off, I get a leak near the front passenger tire which is right about where my reservoir sits. It doesn't happen when I stop and idle at red lights, only once I park and turn off the engine.

I've been doing some reading and Googling and this sounds like it can either be an issue with the reservoir itself, or there is air in my cooling system and it needs to be bled like brakes.

I've been putting water in the radiator to "top it off" before I drive it every day, and I'm only driving maybe 10 miles or so daily so I'm not really stressing the car too terribly much as I'm worried this can lead to more severe problems.

Any insight? Thanks!

Comments

  • saywhatsaywhat Band Wagon
    Sounds like air in the cooling system to me, I would let the car cool down, park on an incline or jack the front of the car off the ground a little, take the rad cap off, turn the car on and let it warm up. That should work all the air out of the system, replace cap and see if it continues to leak. However, I would be check the overflow reservoir first for any obvious visible damage.
  • Tatty90EE4Tatty90EE4 Wagonist
    This isn't a wagon, but my brother had an issue with his Ford Explorer overheating and whatnot. His overflow res was "overflowing", so I replaced the thermostat and fixed the problem. The thermostat was stuck shut not letting coolant into the block.

    Definitely check the res to see if it's cracked or if the hose leading to the res is cracked as well.
  • RouletteRoulette Band Wagon
    After further inspection by myself and a mechanic, it turns out it IS just a busted reservoir. Part of the engine frame has jammed itself in to the side of the overflow tank and I can't get the damn thing out now to repair the hole. It looks like I'd have to take the radiator fan shroud off to try to get it out from another angle. Or, I can just try to find a replacement at a junkyard or online and the shop I go to said they would swap it out for me free of charge.

    Any idea where I can find one of these old bad boys for an 86 Wagon?
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